DE112015006929T5 - Boundary detection system using wireless signals - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle frontier detection system includes a controller programmed to generate a warning in response to detecting a presence of a person in a first zone extending from the vehicle. The system also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted by a nomadic device in a second zone surrounding the vehicle. The controller is further programmed to issue the warning in response to the receiver receiving the signals.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

This application relates generally to border warning systems for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles are used for various purposes in various applications. Vehicles can be used for law enforcement activities. Police officers can stay in the vehicle for a long time. Officers can spend time in the vehicle while using a computer system to process information or generate reports. In other situations, an official's attention may be focused on observing a particular location or person. Thus, the police officer could be distracted and pay less attention to people who are hiding near the vehicle. For example, an officer's attention may be directed to activities that take place in front of the vehicle, and he may not be vigilant with regard to potential activities that take place in the area of the rear of the vehicle. Officials who are focused on their duties and duties in the vehicle can easily be harmed by persons approaching the vehicle from a direction that the officer does not monitor.

SUMMARY

In some configurations, a vehicle frontier detection system includes a controller programmed to generate a warning in response to detecting presence of a person in a first area about the vehicle. The limit detection system also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted from a nomadic device in a second area around the vehicle, the controller being further programmed to respond in response to the receiver receiving the signals to issue the warning. Other configurations may include respective computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Some configurations may include one or more of the following features. The boundary detection system in which the second area comprises the first area. The boundary detection system wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards. The limit detection system, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network in accordance with at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards. The boundary detection system of claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards. The boundary detection system wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted by a dedicated short-range communication system. The limit detection system may include a display, and the controller may be further programmed to provide on the display an indication of the nature of a signal that triggered the warning. The limit detection system, wherein the wireless receiver is further configured to output a signal strength of the signals being received. The limit detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to estimate a distance of the nomadic device from the vehicle based on the signal strength. The limit detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to estimate a direction of travel of the nomadic device based on a change in signal strength. The limit detection system wherein the controller is further programmed to order activation of door locks in response to the warning. The limit detection system, wherein the controller is further programmed to order closure of windows that are open in response to the warning. The limit detection system may include a radar receiver configured to monitor for radar signals transmitted by other vehicles, and wherein the controller may be further programmed to respond in response to receiving radar signals transmitted from other vehicles. to issue the warning. Implementation of the described configurations may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a medium accessible to the computer.

In some configurations, a vehicle includes a limit warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person located in a first zone extending from the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a wireless receiver configured to receive signals from a nomadic device located outside the vehicle in a second zone surrounding the vehicle and including at least a portion of the first zone to a receiver were sent outside the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a control unit that is programmed to respond in response the presence of the person detected in the first zone gives a warning and in response to the receiver receiving the signals, issuing the alert. Other configurations may include respective computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Some configurations may include one or more of the following features. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network according to at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards. The vehicle in which the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted by a dedicated short-range communication system. Implementation of the described configurations may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a medium accessible to the computer.

In some configurations, a method for detecting a person near a vehicle includes monitoring, by a controller, a proximity warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person located in a first zone extending from the vehicle. The method also includes issuing a warning by the controller in response to detecting the presence of the person in the first zone. The method also includes monitoring by the controller for wireless signals sent from a nomadic device located in a second zone surrounding the vehicle to a receiver outside the vehicle. The method also includes issuing a warning by the controller in response to receiving the wireless signals. Other configurations may include respective computer systems, devices, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Some configurations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include outputting by the controller a type of wireless signal that triggered the alert. Implementation of the described configurations may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a medium accessible to the computer.

list of figures

• 1 shows an environment in which a vehicle including a boundary detection system can be operated.
• 2 Figure 10 is a block diagram of one possible configuration for the boundary detection system.
• 3 Fig. 10 is a flowchart for a possible sequence of operations for the boundary detection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and that other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be oversized or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, certain structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art the various benefits of the present invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, various features illustrated and described with reference to one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not expressly illustrated or described. The illustrated feature combinations provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, in certain applications or implementations, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired.

To improve the safety of persons in a vehicle, a Boundary Detection System may be used to alert inmates of the vehicle that persons may be near the vehicle. Such a system may be able to detect people in the vicinity of the vehicle and give a warning of their presence in the area. The boundary detection system may utilize a radar system as might be found in a blind spot warning system. The limit detection system can use an ultrasonic sensor, as in a Reverse warning system could find. The sensors used by the boundary detection system may be active sensors that send out a signal and receive a return signal. Additional sensors may include camera systems that include image processing programs to detect people near the vehicle.

1 shows an overview of an environment in which a vehicle 10 could stop. For example, the vehicle 10 be used by law enforcement personnel. During a shift, officers can park in the vehicle to perform various tasks. For example, civil servants could use a computer to process information or observe activities in a particular area. At these times, officials might be distracted by the tasks they perform and could not detect potential threats that exist nearby. For example, one or more people might 50 . 52 near the vehicle 10 walk. To improve the safety of officials in the vehicle 10 it may be useful if persons 50,5 2 could be detected near the vehicle.

The vehicle 10 can be a border detection system 56 include. The boundary detection system 56 can be designed to monitor different vehicle sensors to detect the presence of people 50 . 52 or other objects (eg, vehicles) that are near the vehicle 10 are located or close to the vehicle 10 move, detect. The border warning system 56 may alert the officer in the vehicle 10 provide a warning when near the vehicle 10 a presence of a person 50 . 52 is detected. This allows the officers to concentrate on different tasks without constantly moving in all directions around the vehicle 10 to monitor around.

The boundary detection system 56 may include various sensors that are designed to be objects and people 50 . 52 near the vehicle 10 to detect. By monitoring for wireless transmissions from a nomadic device 34 to be emitted by the person 50 near the vehicle 10 can be carried along, it may be possible the border detection system 56 continue to improve. The boundary detection system 56 could be further improved to detect communications from other vehicles, including airborne drones. Today, most people have at least one nomadic device 34 a mobile phone, for example. The nomadic device 34 It may include a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer, and other such electronic devices. Any portable electronic device that can wirelessly communicate with a network or other device could be included. Furthermore, the nomadic device 34 an airborne drone or a remotely controlled vehicle / aircraft. One feature of nomadic devices is that they are generally designed to connect through a wireless communication channel to exchange information with a network or other nomadic device.

The nomadic device 34 can be designed to be connected to a radio mast 36 with a first network 38 to communicate. The first network 38 may include voice and data communications. The nomadic device 34 Can be designed to connect to a wireless network router 40 with a second network 58 to communicate. For example, the wireless network router 40 in a nearby building 54 and may be configured to connect WiFi devices to the second network 58.

The vehicle 10 may include various systems and sensors that are part of the Boundary Detection System 56 may be included. The boundary detection system 56 may include any detection subsystem that detects objects within a range or boundary that the vehicle 10 surrounds. For example, the boundary detection system 56 include one or more cameras that are part of different vehicle subsystems. The cameras can be designed to deliver a video signal when activated. The video signal can be displayed and further processed (eg for object detection). For example, a reverse park assist (RPA) or rearview monitoring system may include a reversing camera that extends from an area behind the vehicle 10 Video delivers. The vehicle 10 may also include a forward facing camera that may be part of a proximity control (ACC) and collision warning (CW) or lane keeping assistance (LDW) system. Additional side-facing cameras can be part of a Blind Spot Warning System (BLIS).

2 shows a diagram of a possible configuration of a boundary detection system 56 , The boundary detection system 56 can have one or more radar modules 12 include to objects at various positions around the vehicle 10 to detect. The radar system 12 can be a radar transmitter-receiver 14 which is adapted to transmit and receive radar signals. The radar system 12 can objects around the vehicle 10 and detect a relative movement of the objects. The radar system 12 can by sending an electromagnetic wave and receiving a reflected electromagnetic wave of objects in the path of the transmitted electromagnetic wave work. The output of the radar system 12 may be a presence of the object, a position of the object relative to the vehicle 10 and a relative speed of the object. The radar module may be part of an ACC / CW system that provides information associated with objects located in an area in front of the vehicle 10 are located. The BLIS may include side-facing radar devices. The reverse-monitoring system may include a rear-facing radar. The radar system 12 can be designed to detect objects in front of the vehicle, behind the vehicle and along the sides of the vehicle. In the radar system 12 these can be laser-based radar systems (eg Lidar). A property of the radar system 12 is that it can only detect a limited zone in front of the radar unit. Thus, multiple radar systems might be required to locate objects around the vehicle 10 to detect.

By means of a vehicle network (not shown) electronic modules in the vehicle 10 communicate. The vehicle network may include multiple channels for communication. A channel of the vehicle network may be a serial bus, such as a controller area network (CAN). One of the vehicle network's channels may include an Ethernet network that is of the family of standards 802 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Additional channels of the vehicle network may include discrete connections between modules and may include power signals from the vehicle battery. Via different channels of the vehicle network 60 Different signals can be transmitted. For example, video signals may be transmitted over a high speed channel (eg, Ethernet) while control signals may be transmitted via CAN or discrete signals. The vehicle network may include any hardware and software components that support the transmission of signals and data between modules.

The boundary detection system 56 may include an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor can be part of the rear-view monitoring system or a front-mounted parking aid. The ultrasound detection system can detect objects within a predetermined range of the vehicle 10 detect. The ultrasonic detection system can emit high frequency sound waves and detect a signal reflected from an object.

The boundary detection system 56 can issue various warnings and displays to inform a user of an object in the detection zone.

The vehicle 10 can be a user interface 16 include a display 18 which is designed to deliver output to the driver. In some configurations, the display may 18 a touchscreen display designed to allow operator input by touching locations on a screen of the instrument 18 to enable. The user interface 16 may further comprise input devices configured to provide the driver with configuring the limit detection system 56 to enable. A control unit 42 can be programmed to send signals to the user interface 16 output and inputs from the user interface 16 to accept. The user interface 16 can be used to display options for Border Detection System features that are to be activated. The the limit detection system 56 associated with different sensors can by means of the user interface 16 be activated and deactivated separately. The user interface 16 may include lamps, lights, or other status indicators in the vehicle 10 are installed.

The user interface 16 can still have one or more audible ads 20 which provide an audible warning in response to a control signal. The acoustic displays 20 can include speakers, buzzer, alarms and horns. For example, a speaker that is part of an entertainment system can be used. The user interface 16 can have one or more haptic ads 22 include that cause vibration (eg, steering wheel vibration) in response to a control signal.

the display 18 can be designed to display images and video from the cameras. The display screen 18 can be in an instrument panel of the vehicle 10 are located. In some interpretations, the display screen may be 18 be designed to display video from an active camera under certain conditions. When there is a transmission of the vehicle 10 For example, in reverse, video images can be displayed by the rear view camera. In some interpretations, the video can be shown when the vehicle is moving 10 is in a parked state (transmission is eg set to PARKING). In some designs, the video signal may be displayed during a parking maneuver. In some configurations, the video signal that is displayed may be selected by a driver. In some interpretations, the display of video on the display 18 be stopped when the vehicle 10 emotional.

the display 18 may be further configured to provide a status of the boundary detection system 56 display. For example, an image of the vehicle 10 may be displayed. Objects or people near the vehicle 10 can be detected at a screen position relative to the vehicle 10 according to the detected location of the object or person. The displayed content may resemble a radar chart with the vehicle 10 in the middle. A series of concentric circles may be displayed around the vehicle, each circle representing a distance of an object or person from the vehicle 10 indicates. If an object or a person closer to the vehicle 10 as the distance assigned to the circle is, the circle on the display 18 be highlighted.

The control unit 42 can be programmed to monitor the status of the various limit warning sensors. If one or more of the limit warning sensors detect an object within range, the controller may 42 generate a warning signal. The warning signal may then trigger an activation of the device to the vehicle occupants in front of a person near the vehicle 10 to warn.

The boundary detection system 56 can be an interface to a door control module 44 of the vehicle 10 include. The door control module 44 may be configured to open, close or lock various vehicle entry / exit points. The door control module 44 may include a lock control subsystem 46 configured to lock the door locks of the vehicle 10 to press. In response to the warning, the controller may 42 a command to the door control module 44 to close open access points to the vehicle, including a sunroof, tailgate, boot, hatch, or window. The door control module 44 For example, a window control subsystem 48 include, which is designed to windows of the vehicle 10 to press. The door control module 44 can be connected to the vehicle network. In response to a warning, the controller may 42 an instruction to the lock control subsystem 46 to actuate the door locks to a locked position. In response to the warning, the controller may 42 issue a command to the window control module to operate the windows to a closed position. Such measures may improve the safety of the occupants of the vehicle 10 by the interior of the vehicle 10 is made less accessible to intruders.

Existing boundary detection systems generally use active detection devices around the area around the vehicle 10 to monitor. For example, radar and ultrasound systems output an electromagnetic wave that is reflected by objects in the path of the wave. The reflected signal is processed and it can be the presence of an object or a person 50 be detected. Such sensors also give people the option of being aware of the limit detection system 56 to detect transmitted electromagnetic signals and allow persons to avoid detection. The furtive effect of the Boundary Detection System 56 can be achieved by passively monitoring the surrounding environment to detect signals emitted by devices that are from persons 50 . 52 be carried in the immediate vicinity to be improved.

Sensors currently used for boundary detection systems generally have a limited range for detecting objects near the vehicle 10 on. radar systems 12 and cameras can be restricted by standing objects in the path of the radar or the camera. Some of those from the Boundary Detection System 56 used detection devices may have a limited range or a limited field of view. Furthermore, radar systems 12 directional sensors that can detect objects in a restricted arc in the path of the radar signals. Cameras may have limited visibility during night time or under certain weather conditions. Other sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, may have a limited range for capturing objects. In general, a person needs to be near the vehicle 10 in the path and the detection range of one of the sensors to be physically detected. In many situations, nearby obstacles can make it difficult to detect nearby people. A person behind the obstacle could not be detected by conventional limit warning sensors. These factors can increase the effectiveness of the Boundary Detection System 56 limit. The boundary detection system 56 can be improved by incorporating additional detection capabilities with greater range capabilities.

The boundary detection system 56 can have one or more controllers 42 which are designed to monitor the various limit warning sensors and to generate a warning. The control unit 42 can monitor signals from the radar system 12, the camera system and other described sensors and issue a warning when an object or a person is detected. The boundary detection system 56 can be designed to be the nomadic device 34 to be detected by the person 50 near the vehicle 10 could be carried.

The vehicle 10 can already be designed with wireless communication interfaces, which are connected to the nomadic device 34 interfaces are compatible. For example, many vehicles include a Bluetooth interface for pairing with nomadic devices 34 to provide a hands-free telephone function. Therefore, in most vehicles, a wireless communication circuit and processing capacity for monitoring the wireless communication channels may already be present. By passively monitoring wireless communications between nomadic devices 34 and external receivers, it may be possible to increase the range of the Boundary Detection System 56 to enlarge.

Nomadic devices 34 can communicate using a variety of wireless communication standards or protocols. The nomadic device (eg, cellular phone) 34 can make communications via a cellular telephone network. Furthermore, the nomadic device 34 be designed to communicate using one or more of the wireless IEEE 802.11 network standards (eg WiFi). Furthermore, the nomadic device 34 a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface. Each of these wireless signals coming from the nomadic device 34 can be monitored, to monitor the presence of the nomadic device 34 to detect, which is near the vehicle 10 located. The boundary detection system 56 can be designed to passively monitor for wireless communication signals to the person 50 Not to warn that the Boundary Detection System 56 located near. An additional benefit of monitoring for these signals is that the wireless communication signals can be detected at a greater range than some of the limit warning sensor signals. In addition, the wireless communication signals to obstacles between the boundary detection system 56 and the nomadic device 34 be less sensitive.

The boundary detection system 56 can be a wireless communication system 24 to communicate with remote devices. The wireless communication system 24 may include a number (eg, N) of wireless receivers 26, 30 that are configured to receive signals using one or more wireless communication protocols. It should be noted that the wireless receiver 26 . 30 May be part of a transceiver module configured to both receive and transmit in accordance with a specified communication protocol. It should be noted that a first wireless receiver 26 (eg, receiver one) and a second wireless receiver 30 (eg: receiver N) are shown. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 are different because the receiver configuration depends on the wireless communication protocol supported by the particular receiver. It can be any number of wireless receivers 26 . 30 be present to support multiple wireless communication protocols. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 can with associated antennas 28 . 32 be coupled. The antennas 28 . 32 can be designed to convert electromagnetic waves into electrical signals. In some configurations, a single antenna can be used. Several antennas 28 . 32 may be desired to optimize signal reception within a desired frequency range for each of the wireless communication channels to be monitored. The antennas 28 . 32 may be designed with a length optimized for receiving a particular frequency range associated with the wireless communication protocol.

One or more of the wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to monitor wireless communications transmitted over a mobile telephone network. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network according to one or more of a series of mobile communication standards. For example, a nomadic device 34 be able to communicate using different wireless protocols with mobile phone capability. The nomadic device 34 can by means of the radio mast 36 establish communications via a mobile telephone network 38. Wireless communication standards for mobile communications may include Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, 3G and 4G systems. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may support any or all of the possible standards for mobile communications.

One or more of the wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to monitor WiFi communications in accordance with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards. In the US, Wi-Fi operates in the 2.4 GHz band using the 802.11b and 802.11g standards, while WiFi operates in the 5 GHz band using the 802.11a and 802.11n standards. Each of the frequency bands may be divided into a number of channels. For example, in the 2.4 GHz frequency range, there may be 14 channels spaced at 5 MHz increments. It should be noted that the allocation of the frequency spectrum by country may change.

One or more of the wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to monitor wireless Bluetooth and / or Bluetooth low energy (BTLE) communications according to one or more applicable Bluetooth standards. For example, the wireless receiver may communicate in accordance with the IEEE 802 personal area network (PAN) protocols, of which Bluetooth is a subset. Bluetooth communication standards and protocols can be defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). One or more of the wireless receivers may be Bluetooth receivers.

One or more of the wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to monitor communication signals in a frequency range assigned to Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSCR). DSRC signals can be monitored to detect communications from other vehicles or infrastructure devices. DSRC signals can be transmitted in a 75 MHz spectrum within the 5.9 GHz frequency band. The DSRC signals may be transmitted by infrastructure components as part of a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2L) communication system. The DSRC signals may be transmitted by other vehicles as part of a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system In some designs, the other vehicle may transmit position information via the DSRC signals - the position of the other vehicle relative to the vehicle 10 can on the display 18 are displayed.

One or more of the wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to monitor medium range wireless signals associated with remote control devices. The remote control devices may be cars or aircraft. The remote control devices can send wireless signals to a control module served by a person. The boundary detection system 56 may be configured to detect wireless transmissions from the remote control device and the associated control module. The medium range wireless signals can be 2.4GHz alternating spectrum signals. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be designed to monitor DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) and / or FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) transmissions. Furthermore, frequencies in the range 900-915 MHz can be monitored for activity. Other frequency ranges used by typical remote control devices may also be monitored.

The wireless communication system 24 can be designed to monitor communications coming from the nomadic device 34 (eg phone, tablet, computer) are sent. The wireless communication system 24 may be configured to receive the wireless signals without disturbing the wireless signals. The nomadic device 34 can connect to an external network 38 . 58 have produced. The control unit 42 can be programmed to implement a suitable communication protocol in hardware and software to receive messages sent according to the chosen wireless communication protocol. In some designs, the wireless communication system 24 as part of the controller 42 be implemented. In another design, the function of the wireless communication system 24 be distributed among several modules.

The wireless receivers 26 . 30 can be designed to receive the electrical signals from the antennas 28 . 32 to process and convert these into digital data. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may be configured to process electrical signals in a predetermined frequency range. The wireless receiver 26 , 30 may include one or more amplifier stages to increase an amplitude of the electrical signal or otherwise to scale the electrical signal to a desired voltage range. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may include one or more mixing stages to demodulate the electrical signal. The mixer stages can filter out carrier frequencies of the transmitted signal and output an electrical baseband signal. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may include one or more filters configured to pass signals having a frequency within a predetermined frequency range (eg, low-pass, band-pass). The wireless receivers 36 . 30 may include one or more analog-to-digital converters (A / D) to convert the electrical signals from an analog signal to a digital signal. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may include a processor (eg, a digital signal processor (DSP)) and memory configured to run programs for processing the digital signals and controlling the wireless receiver components. The processor may execute the instructions to decode the digital signals and to the controller 42 output digital data. The wireless receivers 26 . 30 can use the vehicle network data to the controller 42 transfer.

The wireless receivers 26 . 30 may also be designed to measure the strength of the received signal. For example, a circuit may be implemented which receives the signal from the associated antenna 28 . 32 into an analog voltage proportional to the amplitude of the received signal. In general, the size of the signal increase as the distance between the transmitter (eg nomadic device 34 ) and the antenna 28 . 32 decreases. The analog voltage can be sampled by means of an analog-to-digital converter to the controller 42 to deliver a digital value.

The wireless communication system 24 can be implemented partly as an integrated circuit. The wireless communication system 24 may include discrete components that are coupled to the integrated circuit as needed. Because many integrated circuits are available for different wireless communication protocols, the specific details and configuration may vary. The specific details of each of the wireless communication receivers 26 . 30 and the connection of components and stages depends on the particular wireless communication protocol being processed. The wireless communication system 24 can by means of the vehicle network with the control unit 42 communicate.

The wireless communication protocols can determine how many signals are sent wirelessly. The protocol determines the frequency ranges and the way in which signals are encoded for wireless transmission. Further, the protocol may define the expected content and expected formatting of the data represented by the signals. For example, message headers and data bytes may be specified. The wireless communication system 24 can receive and process the wireless signals and the header and data bytes to the controller 42 output.

In some designs, the wireless communication system 24 used to receive messages from the border detection system 56 to send. In such designs, the wireless receivers 26 . 30 be implemented as part of a wireless transceiver module. The wireless communication system 24 can be designed to send messages. The wireless communication system 24 can implement certain handshaking protocols specified by the protocol. For example, when a message is received, a confirmation may be required.

The control unit 42 Can be programmed to receive wireless signals from the wireless communication system 24 to be monitored. The types of messages received may depend on the monitored wireless protocol. Nomadic devices 34 For example, a smartphone designed to wirelessly communicate via WiFi may periodically send a so-called probe request. The Probe Request can be sent to networks near the nomadic device 34 to detect. The sample request may contain information such as a MAC address (Media Access Control) of the nomadic device 34 include. The control unit 42 can monitor messaging traffic to determine if a Probe Request has been received. If a sample request has been received, the presence of a nomadic device may occur 34 be detected nearby. The control unit 42 can be programmed to detect the sample request.

Furthermore, the nomadic device 34 exchange additional data with the network. For example, the nomadic device 34 a connection to the external network 38 . 58 have built up and can data with the external network 38 . 58 change. The control unit 42 can be programmed to detect the presence of messages and data packets between the nomadic device 34 and the external network 38 . 58 be exchanged, monitor. For example, the controller 42 be programmed to monitor for Media Access Control (MAC) addresses contained in the messages to determine the origin and destination of the messages. The presence of messages and data packets that are exchanged may indicate that a nomadic device 34 near the vehicle 10 is available.

In some interpretations, the controller 42 calculate a signal strength for the wireless signals. A signal strength of high level can indicate that the nomadic device 34 closer to the vehicle 10 located. Signal strength profiles as a function of distance can be developed to determine the distance of the nomadic device 34 from the boundary detection system 56 based on signal strength. In addition, changes in signal strength over time can be monitored. The changes in signal strength over time can be analyzed to provide an indication of a direction of movement of the nomadic device 34 to give. For example, a decreasing signal strength may indicate that the nomadic device 34 from the vehicle 10 moved away. An increasing signal strength may indicate that the nomadic device 34 the vehicle 10 approaches.

The boundary detection system 56 can monitor for the presence of wireless transmissions (eg, WiFi, Mobile, Bluetooth, etc.) from the nomadic device 34. If the presence of a wireless transmission detected, the driver of the vehicle 10 a warning will be delivered. The Warning may consist of one or more of: visual alert, audible alert, and haptic alert. The boundary detection system 56 may include a speaker for outputting the audible warning. The warning can be given to the driver by means of the user interface 16 be transmitted.

In some interpretations, the display may 18 be designed to indicate the signal strength for one or more wireless communication channels. The display 18 may also be configured to provide an estimated distance between the nomadic device 34 and the boundary detection system 56 display. Furthermore, the display can 18 be designed to indicate an indication of the wireless communication channel that has generated the warning. For example, the display may indicate that the wireless signal that generated the alert was a WiFi signal. In some interpretations, the display may 18 be designed to be a direction of movement of the nomadic device 34 display. The sizes to be displayed may be from the controller 42 be issued.

The boundary detection system 56 may be further configured to detect the presence of approaching vehicles. The on-board radar system 12 can be used to detect radar emissions from other vehicles. In a vehicle that includes a radar system, the radar system may 12 be monitored passively to detect radar signals emitted by approaching vehicles. Ie the radar system 12 may be configured to receive radar signals, but not to transmit a radar signal. Further, the amplitude of the received radar signals may be indicative of the distance of the radar source from the vehicle 10 deliver.

The control unit 42 can monitor the DSRC communication channels to detect the presence of other vehicles approaching the vehicle. If the presence of another vehicle is detected by receiving a message sent by another vehicle, the controller may 42 to issue a warning signal. The control unit 42 may be programmed to distinguish between messages sent by a vehicle and messages sent by infrastructure components (eg, traffic systems) according to associated communication protocols.

The control unit 42 can monitor for communications sent by a drone. The drone includes any remote-controlled airborne and land-based device or vehicle (eg, a remote-controlled vehicle, helicopter, etc.). For example, there are drones that are designed to carry cameras and send signals to a command module. Such drones could be used as a surveillance device to search for police vehicles in an area. The detection of signals from a drone can help the occupants of the vehicle 10 on activities of others in the area near the vehicle 10 to draw attention.

An advantage of the disclosed system is that the range of the Boundary Detection System 56 is extended beyond conventional border detection systems. For example, an ultrasound-assisted border system can have a range of five meters. A WiFi signal can be detected with a range of one hundred meters. Furthermore, the disclosed border detection system provides 56 a cover that can not be covered by other sensors. For example, the field of view of a radar system 12 limited to a certain angle and a certain distance from the radar unit. Passively monitoring for wireless emissions may allow the detection of objects outside the field of view of other sensors.

The improved boundary detection system 56 Provides improved detection of potential threats that may be present nearby. The control unit 42 may generate the warning in response to detecting the presence of a person in a first area around the vehicle using a pre-existing limit warning sensor. The detection of persons using the pre-existing limit warning sensors may be limited to a first zone extending from the vehicle. The control unit 42 may further generate the alert in response to the wireless receivers 26 . 30 Signals from the nomadic device 34 receive. The detection of persons using the wireless receiver can be done in a second, the vehicle 10 to be effective in the surrounding zone. In some designs, the second zone may include the first zone. In some designs, the second zone may include only a portion of the first zone.

3 shows a flowchart for operations performed by the controller 42 can be performed to the border detection system 56 implement. At surgery 200 can the controller 42 monitor received signals to determine if a message traffic from a nomadic device 34 is available. The control unit 42 can monitor wireless traffic using one or more wireless protocols as described. At surgery 202 can the controller 42 detect if the received signals are a valid message from the nomadic device 34 represent. If a valid message is received, the operation can be called 204 Continue. If no valid message is received, the repeat operation can go back to startup.

Once a valid message is received, at operation 204 Instructions are executed to detect the distance and direction of the nomadic device 34. The distance and direction may be based on the signal strength of the wireless signal. Then surgery can 206 be executed.

In parallel to monitoring the wireless communication signals, the operations to monitor the limit warning sensors may be performed. At surgery 210 the limit warning sensors can be monitored. At operation 212, the controller may 42 Check whether an object is detected by the limit warning sensors. If no object is detected, the repeat operation may return to start. If an object is detected, the operation can 206 be executed.

At surgery 206 A warning may be issued to occupants of the vehicle 10 the presence of the nomadic device 34 display. At surgery 208 For example, in an effort to protect the vehicle occupant, door locks may be placed in a locked position and open windows may be closed.

Although the border warning system is explained as a vehicle application, the border warning system may be implemented separately from the vehicle. For example, the border warning system may be implemented as part of a building security system or a personal border detection system.

The processes, methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be deliverable / implemented by a processing device, controller or computer that may include a pre-existing programmable electronic control unit or a dedicated electronic control unit. Similarly, the processes, methods, or algorithms may be stored in a variety of forms as data and instructions executable by a controller or computer, including, but not limited to, information stored permanently on non-writable media such as ROM devices, and information which are stored changeably on recordable storage media such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, RAM devices or other magnetic and optical media. The processes, methods or algorithms can also be implemented in a software-executable object. Alternatively, the processes, methods, or algorithms may be implemented in whole or in part using appropriate hardware components, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs, state machines, controllers or other hardware components or devices, or a combination of hardware, Software and firmware components to be implemented.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. Rather, the words used in the specification are descriptive, not limiting, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As already described, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention, which may not be expressly described or illustrated. While various embodiments have been described that may offer advantages or are preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations regarding one or more desired characteristics, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more features or properties could be sacrificed to desirable attributes of the overall system which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, merchantability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Thus, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations for one or more features are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable in certain applications.

Claims (20)

Boundary detection system for a vehicle, comprising: a controller programmed to generate a warning in response to detecting a presence of a person in a first zone extending from the vehicle; and a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted by a nomadic device in a second zone surrounding the vehicle, wherein the controller is further programmed to issue the alert in response to the receiver receiving the signals , Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the second zone comprises the first zone. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network in accordance with at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted by a dedicated short-range communication system. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 , which further comprises a display, and wherein the controller is further programmed to output to the display an indication of a type of the signal that triggered the warning. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the wireless receiver is further configured to output a signal strength of the signals being received. Boundary detection system according to Claim 8 wherein the controller is further programmed to estimate a distance of the nomadic device from the vehicle based on the signal strength. Boundary detection system according to Claim 8 wherein the controller is further programmed to estimate a direction of travel of the nomadic device based on a change in signal strength. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the controller is further programmed to order activation of door latches in response to the warning. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 wherein the controller is further programmed to order closure of windows that are open in response to the warning. Boundary detection system according to Claim 1 , which further comprises a radar receiver configured to monitor for radar signals transmitted by other vehicles, and wherein the controller is further programmed to operate in response to receiving radar signals transmitted from other vehicles To issue a warning. Vehicle comprising: a limit warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person located in a first zone extending from the vehicle; a wireless receiver configured to receive signals transmitted from a nomadic device located outside the vehicle in a second zone surrounding the vehicle and including at least a portion of the first zone to a receiver outside the vehicle become; and a controller programmed to issue a warning in response to the presence of the person detected in the first zone and to issue the alert in response to the receiver receiving the signals. Vehicle after Claim 14 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards. Vehicle after Claim 14 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted to a mobile telephone network in accordance with at least one of a plurality of mobile communication standards. Vehicle after Claim 14 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted in accordance with at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth communication standards. Vehicle after Claim 14 wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive signals transmitted by a dedicated short-range communication system. A method of detecting a person near a vehicle, comprising: by a controller monitoring a limit warning sensor configured to detect a presence of a person located in a first zone extending from the vehicle; in response to detecting the presence of the person in the first zone, issuing a warning by the controller; Monitor by the controller for wireless signals received from a nomadic device located in a second vehicle surrounding the vehicle Zone is to be sent to a receiver outside the vehicle; and in response to receiving the wireless signals, issuing the warning by the controller. Method according to Claim 19 which further comprises outputting, by the controller, a type of wireless signal that triggered the alert.

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